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If you are craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, creamy richness, and hearty satisfaction, the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned steak strips with a luscious, velvety queso sauce over fragrant, spiced jasmine rice. Each bite delivers an irresistible balance of savory steak, cheesy indulgence, and vibrant freshness—making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s deceptively simple but utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with the right ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. The components here are straightforward but essential—each one playing a key role in layering flavors, building texture, and adding pops of color to your plate.
- 450 g steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye): Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy bites packed with meaty flavor.
- 15 ml olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak to a delicious crust without sticking.
- 5 g salt: Essential for seasoning both the steak and the rice, bringing out natural flavors.
- 2.5 g freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the steak’s seasoning.
- 3 g garlic powder: A fragrant and savory must-have for both steak and rice seasoning.
- 1.5 g paprika: Gives the steak a warm, smoky note and beautiful color.
- 1.5 g ground cumin: Introduces an earthy, slightly nutty flavor to elevate the steak.
- 200 g jasmine or basmati rice: The fluffy, aromatic base that soaks up every drop of delicious sauce.
- 480 ml beef broth: Infuses the rice with hearty richness as it cooks.
- 15 g unsalted butter: Adds silky smoothness to the rice and helps meld flavors.
- 2.5 g salt (additional): Used in the rice for balanced seasoning.
- 2.5 g garlic powder (additional): Enhances the rice’s savory notes.
- 0.5 g smoked paprika: Brings smoky warmth into the flavorful rice.
- 100 g shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious, sharp pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 60 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and creamy, balancing the cheddar perfectly.
- 180 ml heavy cream: The base of the sumptuous queso sauce for rich indulgence.
- 30 g cream cheese: Adds tang and thickness to the sauce’s luxurious texture.
- 2.5 g garlic powder (for sauce): Gives the queso a subtle aromatic kick.
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a touch of spicy excitement in their queso.
- 8 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Fresh herbaceous brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp, bright heat that contrasts with creamy cheese.
- 15 g sour cream: A cool finishing dollop that rounds out the richness.
- 80 g diced tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity against the savory backdrop.
How to Make Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Rice
Start by combining beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a medium saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil. This aromatic broth will infuse the rice, giving it a rich, savory base. Once boiling, stir in the jasmine or basmati rice, lower the heat to simmer, cover tightly, and let it cook undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes. When the liquid is fully absorbed, fluff the rice gently with a fork, revealing fragrant, perfectly cooked grains that will soak up every bit of queso sauce you add later.
Step 2: Season and Sear Steak
While the rice cooks, toss your steak strips in a bowl with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin, ensuring every piece is well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay the steak strips in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, letting a deep crust form while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Once done, let the steak rest for 5 minutes; this helps retain all those beautiful juices, ensuring every bite stays flavorful and moist.
Step 3: Craft the Queso Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until tiny bubbles appear around the edges—this gentle warmth is key to smooth melting. Add the cream cheese and whisk until it melts completely, then gradually stir in shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until silky and smooth. Finish with garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want that spicy edge. Keep the queso sauce on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally so it stays warm and luscious.
Step 4: Compose the Bowl
It’s time to bring it all together. Spoon the fragrant rice into your serving bowls as a comforting base. Layer on the rested steak strips, then generously pour warm queso sauce over the top, letting it cascade over the meat and pool into the rice for maximum cheesy indulgence.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Finish your Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe by garnishing each bowl with chopped cilantro, crisp jalapeño slices, juicy diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting—this dish tastes best fresh, with the queso sauce decadently coating every delicious bite.
How to Serve Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Cilantro adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully, jalapeño slices bring a crisp, energizing heat, and diced tomatoes offer bursts of juicy sweetness. A touch of sour cream on top provides a cool creaminess that harmonizes with the creamy queso. Each element adds contrast and vibrancy, turning a simple bowl into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
To complement the hearty Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe, consider serving it alongside a crisp, refreshing salad like a zesty lime-cilantro slaw or a light cucumber salad. Roasted vegetables, such as charred corn or smoky peppers, also pair wonderfully by adding texture and smoky notes that echo the spices in the dish. These sides keep things balanced and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the dish in warm flour tortillas as loaded quesadillas or wraps. Alternatively, transform it into a beautifully layered casserole by combining the steak, rice, and queso into a baking dish topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. This flexibility makes the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and impressive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the dish remains just as tasty—or even better—the next day. To prevent the rice from drying out, sprinkle a little water over it before sealing.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead in larger batches. Freeze portions of the steak, rice, and queso separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. This approach helps maintain the best texture and flavor. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the queso sauce and keep everything creamy and smooth. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso sauce?
Absolutely! While white cheddar and Monterey Jack give the sauce a wonderful melt and flavor, you can experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or even a mild mozzarella for extra creaminess. Just adjust seasonings to complement the cheese you choose.
Is it necessary to use beef broth in the rice?
Using beef broth is highly recommended as it infuses the rice with savory depth. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, a vegetable broth or even water with added seasoning can work, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
How do I know when the steak is done perfectly?
Sear the steak strips for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook a bit longer but be careful not to dry out the meat. Letting it rest before slicing helps keep the steak juicy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe centers around steak, you can swap the meat for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables and keep the queso and rice just as they are. This makes for a delicious, vegetarian-friendly version.
What level of heat does the dish have?
The dish is moderately mild by default, with some smoky and warm spice elements. Adding jalapeño slices and cayenne pepper in the queso introduces a gentle to moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice levels up or down based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with incredible flavors, the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is waiting for you. Its delightful balance of creamy queso, fragrant rice, and tender steak makes it a rewarding meal to share with family or friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and satisfying delicious home cooking can be!
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Print
Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
Description
Steak Queso Rice Delight is a hearty and savory dish that combines tender seared steak strips with flavorful, aromatic rice and a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. Enhanced with spices and fresh toppings like jalapeños and cilantro, this recipe offers a deliciously rich and comforting meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Steak
- 450 g steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 5 g salt
- 2.5 g freshly ground black pepper
- 3 g garlic powder
- 1.5 g paprika
- 1.5 g ground cumin
Flavored Rice
- 200 g jasmine or basmati rice
- 480 ml beef broth
- 15 g unsalted butter
- 2.5 g salt
- 2.5 g garlic powder
- 0.5 g smoked paprika
Queso Sauce
- 100 g shredded white cheddar cheese
- 60 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 180 ml heavy cream
- 30 g cream cheese
- 2.5 g garlic powder
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings
- 8 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 15 g sour cream
- 80 g diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavored Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the beef broth, unsalted butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the jasmine or basmati rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan securely with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and Sear Steak: In a mixing bowl, evenly coat the steak strips with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cumin. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Arrange the steak strips in a single layer in the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until a deep crust forms and the steak reaches your desired doneness. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Craft the Queso Sauce: Warm the heavy cream gently over low heat in a small saucepan until you see small bubbles forming around the edges. Add the cream cheese and whisk continuously until it melts completely. Gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, keeping the sauce silky smooth as the cheese melts. Season the sauce with garlic powder and cayenne pepper if you like some heat. Keep the sauce on the lowest heat and stir occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
- Compose the Bowl: Spoon the fragrant cooked rice evenly into serving bowls to form the base layer. Top the rice with the rested seared steak strips. Generously ladle the warm queso sauce over the steak and rice, allowing it to settle and soak into the layers.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Finish each bowl by garnishing with finely chopped fresh cilantro, thin slices of jalapeño, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve the dish immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For best results, choose steak cuts like sirloin, flank, or ribeye for tenderness and flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper in the queso sauce and the jalapeño slices as topping.
- Be sure to let the steak rest after searing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust seasoning of the queso sauce according to your taste preference before serving.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the queso sauce at its creamy best before it thickens.
